Petru Adrian COTFAS

Prof. Petru Adrian COTFAS holds a position as Professor in the Department of Electronic and Computers at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Technical University of Brașov (UNITBV). His work focuses on advancing renewable energy systems, hybrid energy technologies, and IoT-based monitoring solutions. He leads research on photovoltaic cell optimization, thermoelectric generator performance, and cybersecurity in smart energy systems. His contributions include developing virtual instrumentation frameworks (e.g., LabVIEW-based tools) and experimental setups like the RELab system for studying solar/wind energy dynamics.

Research Interests:

• Characterization of renewable energy systems (hybrid photovoltaic-thermoelectric configurations)
• IoT integration for remote energy monitoring and control
• Metaheuristic algorithms for parameter extraction in solar cells
• Cybersecurity resilience for smart energy infrastructure
• Energy efficiency in industrial systems (e.g., AHU optimization)

Key Contributions:

Prof. COTFAS has pioneered studies on dust impact mitigation for solar panels, developed novel methods for concentrated solar power systems, and addressed cybersecurity vulnerabilities in IoT-enabled energy grids. His work bridges theoretical models (e.g., multi-junction solar cell theory) with practical implementations like FPGA-based remote laboratories. Over 60 peer-reviewed articles since 2016 showcase his interdisciplinary approach to energy sustainability and technological innovation.